The Election Commission would give medals and certificates to the five first-time voters (18 plus), and five first voters in each polling station in Meghalaya, to encourage voters to exercise their franchise in the February 27 assembly elections, Chief Electoral Officer F.R. Kharkongor said on Friday.
He said that for the past many years, women voters outnumbered their male counterparts in the electoral list, and in the previous elections, the turnout of female electorates was higher than the male voters.
Of the total of 21,61,729 voters, the number of male voters in the state is 10,68,801 and that of female voters is 10,92,326.
The CEO said that to encourage people to vote in higher numbers, musicians have also been engaged in the overall process.
"We have engaged musical bands and musical troupes to promote voting. We would organise 'My vote My Valentine' in 300 polling stations where the turnout was previously slightly less," Kharkongor said.
He said that 120 all women-managed polling stations would be set up across the state.
The CEO said that the Union Home Ministry has agreed to provide 120 companies of Central Armed Police Force to hold the assembly polls free, fair and transparent manner.
As none of the candidates in Meghalaya has withdrawn their nomination on the last date of withdrawal of nomination on Friday, 375 candidates including 37 women are in the fray for February 27 Meghalaya Assembly polls.
Compared to the last assembly polls in 2018, 78 more candidates are contesting the poll this time.
The ruling National People's Party (NPP) has fielded candidates in 57 seats while the Congress and the BJP are contesting in all the 60 seats.
The Trinamool Congress has fielded candidates in 58 seats while the United Democratic Party (UDP) is contesting the elections on 47 seats, the Hill State People's Democratic Party (HSPDP) on 11 seats.
The BJP, UDP and the HSPDP are the partners of the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance Government led by NPP.
The counting of votes will take place on March 2.
Mistake that benefits no one: World leaders react to Trump's 'reciprocal tariffs'
As US President Donald Trump signed an executive order on the so-called "reciprocal tariffs," the world reacted sharply against the decision, with some calling it a "mistake that benefits no one" while others called it a violation of Washington's obligations under the World Trade Organization (WTO).
Indian pharmaceutical exports get reprieve from Trump’s reciprocal tariffs
Because of the importance of India’s pharmaceuticals to US healthcare, those exports will get a reprieve from President Donald Trump’s reciprocal tariffs, according to the White House.
India stands less impacted by Trump tariffs than global peers: Industry
As US President Donald Trump announced reciprocal tariffs on dozens of countries, including India, industry experts said on Thursday that it appears India's export competitiveness to the US market stands far less impacted on a relative basis compared to global peers.
IAF pilot killed, another critical as Jaguar fighter jet crashes in Gujarat
An Indian Air Force (IAF) pilot lost his life, while another sustained critical injuries after their two-seater Jaguar fighter jet crashed near Gujarat's Jamnagar Airfield, the IAF confirmed on Thursday.
PM Modi emplanes for Thailand; to attend BIMSTEC summit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday emplaned for Thailand on a state visit to attend the 6th BIMSTEC Summit, with his visit also set to bolster bilateral relations between New Delhi and Bangkok.
Tripura CM stresses promoting NE states' potential to attract investment
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Wednesday said that the development of the communication process and system has generated a lot of investment potential, and therefore, more emphasis should be placed on promotion to attract investors in all the northeastern states.
Tripura has 94,723 Lakhpati Didis; 93,425 women to get similar status soon: Minister
Among the 4,75,582 Self Help Group (SHGs) members in Tripura, 94,723 women emerged as ‘Lakhpati Didis’ through their engagement in various enterprising units and 93,425 more women would be ‘Lakhpati Didis’ soon, Social Welfare and Labour Minister Tinku Roy said.
Bhavan’s Little Learners celebrate annual programme
The Bhavan’s Little Learners, Bordowali celebrated annual programme and organised prize distribution ceremony here at Agartala Rabindra Satabarshiki Bhavan on Wednesday.